Yellow Fever - a Disease Carried by Mosquitoes

The Problem with Mosquitoes

The biggest problem with mosquitoes, however, is the diseases they carry. This is why investing in a mosquito killer is a good idea. One of the most serious mosquito-transmitted diseases is yellow fever (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2021).

Yellow Fever - A Disease Carried by Mosquitoes

Yellow fever is a viral infectious disease spread by mosquito bites, typically between dawn and dusk, as well as during nighttime. Jungles and forests are predominant places where the yellow fever mosquito thrives. This disease is most common in the southern regions of South America and Africa (World Health Organization, 2020). Like most diseases, children and older people are more susceptible.

Once infected with yellow fever, symptoms appear within three to six days. Most people do not exhibit symptoms, but those who do experience muscle pains, headaches, fever, and nausea. In more severe cases, the patient turns yellow due to jaundice, and the kidneys and liver are attacked by the disease. Bleeding can occur in the mouth, nose, or stomach, and about fifty percent of people may experience hemorrhaging, seizures, delirium, comas, and sometimes death within ten days. Although native to South America and Africa, travelers to countries like Malaysia are still required to be vaccinated due to the large mosquito population, which can sometimes introduce yellow fever to other regions. There is no definitive treatment for yellow fever; however, blood transfusions can be conducted during hemorrhaging, or dialysis for kidney failure (World Health Organization, 2020).

Impact and Prevention

Mosquitoes are, in fact, the deadliest animals in the world based on the number of people who have died from mosquito-transmitted illnesses. This fact highlights the importance of preventive measures such as vaccinations and mosquito control. In regions where yellow fever is prevalent, public health campaigns focus on educating the population about mosquito avoidance techniques, such as using insect repellent, wearing long-sleeved clothing, and ensuring proper mosquito netting around sleeping areas (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2021). Understanding the life cycle and habits of mosquitoes can significantly reduce the risk of infection.

There is no real treatment for yellow fever. However, supportive care can help manage symptoms. Blood can be replaced when hemorrhaging occurs, and dialysis can be used for kidney failure (World Health Organization, 2020). Continued research into vaccines and mosquito control strategies remains essential in combating this deadly disease.

References

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). Yellow fever. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/yellowfever/index.html

World Health Organization. (2020). Yellow fever. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/yellow-fever